American Crocodile "Rupert" visits South Beach Miami

CNN PRODUCER NOTEaquamotion says she and her colleague were having coffee when to her surprised she saw an American crocodile patrolling the waters of Miami Beach, Florida. She says she has never seen one in the South Beach area, nor did she think one would ever venture so close. 'We first thought it was one of the larger green iguanas, which I had seen and photographed here before, and it certainly did not look like a dolphin or a manatee. So Henrik and I both looked at each other and started running downstairs, grabbing our cameras on the way out. Once we arrived downstairs at the sea wall, we were certain that this was a large crocodile,' she said. 'This was truly unusual.'
- Jareen, CNN iReport producer

Rare sighting of an American / Caribbean Crocodile right off famous Purdy Ave. in South Beach and Sunset Harbor Marina at 7:30am on Nov. 19th 2013.The crocodile was approx. 10-12 feet long and swam slowly around the anchored sail boats in the bay for more than 45 min.While ancient and awe-inspiring, it also emitted an air of cuteness with its pointy mouth and long teeth. It certainly is not to be underestimated and considered much more aggressive than Florida alligators!Paddle boarders and swimmer in the bay should especially pay attention to the new "visitor" and boaters please drive slow to avoid collisions with "Rupert".

PS: The crocodile was named "Rupert" by my colleague Henrik Rosen who spotted the crocodile first that morning.

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